Pekingese

In a 2026 University of Cambridge study of 14 short-faced breeds, the Pekingese was the most affected: almost nine in ten dogs showed signs of airway disease, and only about 6% had open nostrils. That puts it on a par with the Pug and French Bulldog. Its breathing grade became a recognised Royal Kennel Club test in August 2026, so ask whether the parents have been assessed. The long back and short legs carry a high risk of disc disease, and the large, exposed eyes are easily injured. A current eye certificate and a puppy kept lean as it grows help on both counts.